Please Reply to the following 2 Discussion posts:

Requirement

APA format with intext citation

Word count minimum of 150 words per post

References at least one high-level scholarly reference per post within the last 5 years in APA format.

Plagiarism free.

Turnitin receipt.

DISCUSSION POST #1 Nozomi

Prior to taking this course, I did not realize that as a nurse, it is my duty to be actively involved in health policy development, and to advocate for the advancement of the profession and the healthcare system. I always knew that I loved the profession, but I realize now that simply doing my bedside job and turning a blind eye to the health issues around me goes against the ANA Code of Ethics. The ANA Code of Ethics explicitly states that nurses must “participate as advocates or as elected or appointed representatives in civic activities related to health care through local, regional state, national, or global initiatives” (ANA, 2015).

One way that I learned that I can be an active participant in policy development is through contacting local legislators and political leaders. I never even thought of writing letters to them, mostly because I did not think that they will care to read a letter from individuals, and because I thought it will be a difficult process. However, this assignment taught me that though it takes some time to research and carefully craft the letters, it is not that difficult to express my opinion to those legislators. As a nurse, I am at the forefront of healthcare, and am a witness to numerous issues in healthcare that are not visible for those who do not work in the field. Therefore, I realize that I am actually in a perfect position to voice my views and bring attention to such issues. According to Lowe and Monaghan (2018), the implementation of an equitable approach to healthcare policy reform depends heavily on how well-informed policy-makers are on the current conditions in healthcare. Therefore, politicians need nurses and other frontline workers to inform of them of the actual issues at hand. Furthermore, since healthcare politics is multidimensional and involves political, social, and economic factors, it is important that professionals from different areas brainstorm to make changes in the current situation (Lowe & Monaghan, 2018). Thus, as patient advocates and supporters of patient-centered health, nurses are crucial members in this team of policy makers.

DISCUSSION POST # 2 Danielle

My journey through nurse leadership and health policy has enlightened my understanding on the political aspect and the position that advance practice nurses have in making change for our profession. In the past eight weeks, my legislation language and understanding has grown to include identifying a healthcare challenge, initiating grassroot, advocating awareness, and co- sponsoring with other professional organizations (Patton, Zalon, Ludwick, 2019). Identifying my local and state legislative officials (House of Representative/Senator) through correspondence was the most influential assignment in nurse leadership and health policy. I was able to express my support on issues that I felt would benefit present and future advance practice nurses refining the scope of practice in order to maximize their practice full extent, and eventually reach full independent practice authority. Limitations from opposing medical professionals, organizations, and associations are leveraged due to the lack of participation by fellow advance practice nurses. One of my goals, as an advance practice nurse, is to devote and committee myself in advocating awareness to my colleagues, community, and state officials on healthcare issues that require change for more effectively in the industry for improvements to practice, cost reduction, safety, and patient outcomes.